Breaking all Illusions

FYI, the quote/sample in the middle of the first verse is from Kahlil Gibran, and is as follows:

“Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens. Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”

AMAZING song, by the way, and totally has a "Learning To Live" feel, as well as bits of "Octavarium" and "In The Presence Of Enemies"!

Lyrically speaking, it is a sequel to "Far From Heaven", and is about being able to get over your own issues and learning to live with them, or overcome them, and become a better person. Or something like that...

Great guitar solo in the middle - JP wasn't kidding about the "La Villa Strangiato" vibe of it!

-Marc.

Its the best song in album IMO, I agree with what the letter M said its about unlearning what you learn and start again.

Wow! Myung's lyrics are alwayes deep and full of emotion.

A Dramatic Turn of Events is Images and Words pt2.

It's so nice to see Myung's lyrical hiatus has come to an end and he has finally written some incredible lyrics!

Breaking All Illusions is about epiphany. I think it could be related to Far From Heaven, which is a sad song that ends with a sudden realisation that, in order to be happy, you need to just accept life for what it is, and accept yourself for who you are.

"With the sun in place There's a test of faith Streams of thought awaken New realities Singularities Breaking all illusions"

Now that the character's attitude to life has been rebooted (the sun is now in place, illuminating his mind), he can evaluate his own beliefs (the test of faith). His mind flows with new ideas (streams of thought). His view of the world has completely changed (he perceives the world as a new reality. He believes his new life to break his previous illusions).

"Sudden burst of heat Burning source of life Masterful destruction Power's not an act It's understanding truth Changing my direction"

The sudden burst of heat, and the burning source of life, are more metaphors for the reinvigoration in his mind. Masterful destruction refers to the tearing down of his old way of thinking to make way for the new. As a result of changing his direction and understanding himself better, he feels much stronger than ever.

"Live in the moment Breathe in a new beginning Wisdom revealed As I unlearn to learn Life's biggest battles Often are fought alone My spirit brings me home"

More words meaning essentially the same thing as before. He is now living in the moment, cherishing each day. He has unlearned everything to learn this new beginning, a much more wise outlook. He knows that his battles are his alone, and that he can face them, which comforts his spirit.

"Emerald thoughts flow Through my consciousness Drawn to curses left behind Test of will the threshold to one's faith Starts a fire in the mind"

The emerald thoughts could be the depressing state he was in before, being as they are "drawn to curses left behind", AKA regrets or fears. They could also be his new outlook, and they are drawn because they wish to make peace and "lift the curses". The test of will could refer to resisting the former, or taking part in the latter. Whichever of the two is more accurate, the fire that is started in the mind is quite obviously the epiphany.

"Searching out Reaching in To arrive Where I began Sights remembered In the light"

The chorus refers to a complete self-analysis, or meditation. The character searches for truth, and reaches inside himself for guidance in his hour of need. He arrives right back at the start, with a fresh slate, remembering the lessons he has learned as he goes into "the light", AKA his new view.

"Sounds remembered Come alive"

Sounds remembered has equal meaning to "Sights remembered" in the first chorus, and come alive refers to his new awakening.

"Embrace the days Don't turn away Life's true intent needs patience Karma starts the signal"

Carpe diem. Cherish each day, and live life to the fullest. Be patient and kind, and you will find yourself at peace.

The most uplifting lyrics in a DT song since perhaps Take The Time.

Learning to Live 2

Amazing song and lyrics. The solo at 6:08 is great and the section at 8:10 is just epic.

Easily the song I've listened to most from the album and was delighted to see it live when they came through town. The 30-second section starting at 5:03 blows me away every time and when played live the contrast had even more impact. I just wish it was longer. I swear, Jordan actually turned into a wizard at that point, he had his keyboard tilted to the side as he sometimes does and it was just this outright assault on one's senses. Outstanding.

I agree with everyone who think this song is closely related to Far From Heaven, not only from the lyrics, but also the compositions. I bold the last 4 lines of the lyrics, IMHO, It's the best part and the main idea of Myung and Petrucci.

just close your eyes after the last words, welcome to Dream Theater.